MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. (AP) – When you work in a sub-arctic environment, you want to stay toasty.

So, meteorologists at Mount Washington Observatory have recognized L.L. Bean as their “official outfitter” through 2004, expanding a partnership with the nonprofit weather research center.

The Freeport, Maine, clothing manufacturer will continue to provide extreme-weather jackets, mid-layers, bibs and gloves to the crew atop the 6,288-foot summit. Come summer, they’ll get hiking boots, tents, sleeping bags and wind-blocker fleece jackets.

“When we need to go outside in 70 mph winds and de-ice instruments, it is really important to be wearing the right clothing,” staff meteorologist Christin Perruzzi said.

L.L. Bean also uses the summit crew for testing new products. Crew members currently are testing jackets and tents.

“The observatory offers us a venue in some of the harshest weather conditions in the world,” said Tom Armstrong, merchandising manager and a board member of the observatory.

Mount Washington was the site of the highest surface wind speed ever recorded – 231 mph on April 12, 1934.



On the Net:

Observatory: http://www.mountwashington.org/

AP-ES-04-09-03 1414EDT



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